HAIR

January 10, 2016

New Series - Berry's Bible Study

Every now and then, I've put up posts around a Bible passage and my thoughts or questions about it. I've also done a Proverbs challenge before, even though I never did the last chapter. I use Youversion Bible app as my preferred tool, and apart from their many many devotionals, they also have Notes where you can write your thoughts about a specific verse or chapter. Sometimes I share my notes publicly and other times I keep them private. I wrote one last week and made it public, and Lola commented that I should post it on the blog.

I thought that posting it was a good idea, and I think it's something I might want to do more often, hence the "series." Please note that Berry's Bible Study is not intended as a way for me to "preach" but just to share my thoughts or ask questions where I get confused. One of the things I miss about living in Atlanta is the weekly Bible study - it was always very informal and everyone got a chance to talk, have fun, and learn. So since I haven't been able to get a Bible study group here (half due to laziness, half due to not seeing any around me), I'll do it right here on my blog. You're welcome to leave comments, answer questions, ask questions, make prayer requests, etc.

Without further ado, here's the first entry.

This verse makes me think deeply. I pray that I'm worshiping God truly and with all my heart. I know that these days people are more religious than being true Christians. More than half the time I even catch myself being caught up in the rules and regulations - saying "Don't sin" because it's a rule, not because we should obey God.

Christianity is not about a set of rules to follow. Worshipping God should be 24/7, not just at church or only in the morning when saying your prayers. I should be worshipping God as much in private as in public. I should be worshipping because I want to thank and love Him, not because a pastor said I should.

There is no rule to worship apart from doing it in spirit and in truth.

14 comments:

I really love bible studies and really like what you have written and you are very right it is not about rules and regulations.

Anyways back to you passage, I think the major issue with that scripture and today's christians is the word 'worship' and it religious connotations. Worship is usually equated with church attendance, singing and dancing with the occasional tears during an emotional 'worship set'.

If we change our perspective of the word and remove all religion based association, Worship = Adore (The way you admire, love and respect a loved one) you will realise it becomes a 24/7 relationship rather than a Sunday morning affair because adoration and all that it entails can only come from the heart and that is what God requires from his children.

Exactly Nemi! I used to see worship as just singing songs in church or listening to worship songs. But worship is so much more. I think it's LIVING for God and applies to every minute of your life. Of course we're not perfect but striving to live in a way that pleases God, living in obedience... that's worship.

Obedience is the highest form of worship we can give to our Creator. Often times the obedience piece is overlooked because it requires us to sacrifice our own will for God's will in every aspect of our lives.

That's very true. I feel like there isn't that much emphasis on obedience these days. But the truth is it can be hard to obey when you want to do something else. Merging one's will with God's takes grace, and consistency in reading the bible

Over the last decade or so, I've been generally disconnected from God. A few month's ago, that connection was reestablished (for good this time by His grace) and the experience has been awesome. I suddenly realized that I am a worshiper by nature. I find myself bursting into songs of worship and adoration spontaneously because I not tend to see God in everything. Even in adversity, I see Him working things out and establishing His plan in my life. All things truly work together for the good of those who love God. Bible studies are awesome too. I started am 8 month cover to cover bible reading plan this year and although it's only been a few days, the revelation has been nothing short of epic. When one develops that kind of relationship with God (one where we are constantly studying His Word and communicating with Him), worship will come naturally.

Wow, it sounds like a transformation! I pray that for you, and me too, the connection is for good - even when life is being tough. I agree that worship comes naturally when you have a certain relationship with God. I think that we were made to worship Him.

Good luck on your Bible-reading endeavor! I hope I finish it this year too.

Thank you Nedoux. I hope I can keep up with the series. Something I wonder about sometimes is whether I'm getting caught up in the rituals of church, rather than being really focused on what's happening.

I finally settled down to read Joyce Meyer's book on HOW TO KNOW GOD INTIMATELY. My gosh...Everything you said, she said. And this truly is the struggle for us Christians. Trying to please God in the flesh. E no easy. Breakdown up and down.

You should try read the book. :) So liberating. Now worshipping God no longer feels like a religious duty. So refreshing to be in the spirit.

Really love what you said that our worship of God should cover every aspect of our life. Our main reason for worshiping God should not be because we are afraid of punishment, but should stem out of a deep love for him. Gratitude for all He has done for us should move us to want to please Him all the more. Just as a little child is always wanting to do what's right for a loving parent, we should share such attitude to our loving heavenly Father. Hence, our wanting to worship God would move us to be obedient to Him at all times, even in secret.Thanks for the post Berry.

Exactly - when God says we should fear him, it's not being afraid of him - it's revering him and giving him the glory and honor he deserves. Unfortunately, sometimes the motivation to obey is to avoid punishment. It really shouldn't be that way.

Wohoo, my name made it to your blog, Yes i agree with you, i was also going to do it on my blog, just write my thoughts out. I started a whats-app group where we read a chapter of the bible everyday and either post a comment or a view point, i create quizzes and polls with google docs, and also slides of what i have read so far, it actually breaks the whole study down and the ladies enjoy it. You could try that if you have friends or followers who would like to do so, and you are welcome to join mine. it is a commitment because you have to follow everyday, this week is rest week,we just finished Esther and i am taking a poll, so far Ruth is leading followed by Genesis. Lets see which book would win. Wish you luck hon!!